textproduct: Amarillo

KEY MESSAGES

Issued at 1237 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026

- Light rain is possible this evening through Friday afternoon across mainly the central and western Panhandles.

- Frost and freeze conditions may occur on Saturday morning for the central and western Panhandles.

SHORT TERM

(This evening through Friday night) Issued at 1237 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026

The latest H500 RAP analysis early this afternoon depicts a low pressure system moving onshore over Baja California and steadily moving east. This low pressure system will bring beneficial rainfall much of Texas, with only minor amounts reaching the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. For today, mid level moisture is higher leading to at least scattered cloud cover across the region. The easterly surface wind is leading to cooler temperatures across the region today. Highs this afternoon are expected to be in the 60s.

Light rain showers may start to develop across the northwestern Panhandles this evening as shortwaves embedded in the upper level flow traverse over the Panhandles. Lift provided by these waves will likely be the only chances the Panhandles have at getting rainfall from this system as the main upper level low moves well to the south of the CWA. Rainfall totals continue to be on the decline and the highest rainfall some locations may see across the southwest is upwards of a half inch. Most locations that see rain will likely see a quarter inch or less. Coverage of rain showers will decrease by the early afternoon as negative H700 theta-e moves in from the north. With widespread cloud cover expected and rain chances through the day, temperatures will remain quite cool to start the new month of May. Forecast highs are in the lower 50s to lower 60s across the Panhandles. The cool airmass and clearing skies on Friday night into saturday morning will allow temperatures to drop considerably down into the 30s. In fact, frost and freeze conditions are possible on Saturday morning due to light winds, clear skies, and temperatures in the lower to mid 30s across the central and west.

Muscha

LONG TERM

(Saturday through next Wednesday) Issued at 1237 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026

Upper level ridging moves east across the Rockies towards the High Plains this weekend into early next week. This pattern will aid in warming temperatures back up to the 70s and 80s, with widespread 80s for highs on Monday. Surface low pressure systems will lead to breezy to gusty southwest wind on Sunday and Monday. Elevated fire weather conditions may arise due to it being breezy and warm. Another low pressure system is forecast to move east over the Desert Southwest in the middle of next week as a trough digs south out of the Canadian Prairie Provinces. This feature may lead to shower and thunderstorm chances across portions of the area in the middle of next week. Additionally, a cold front may push south across the Plains leading to a cool down for the later half of next week.

Muscha

AVIATION

(00Z TAFS) Issued at 551 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026

VFR conditions are expected to last a few more hours before low clouds show up, along with prospects of rain. This TAF period is expected to be messy especially after 06Z. KDHT has the best chances for showers and IFR/LIFR conditions. However, KAMA and KGUY may see some showers as well primarily between 06Z and 12Z. There is a bit of uncertainty with timing and the extent of lowered CIGs and VIS due to this system coming over the Panhandles tonight. Thunder is not anticipated but an isolated rumble here and there cannot be ruled out. Expect mainly easterly winds around 10 to maybe 15 kts through 12Z before they fall off and become light and variable in the latter part of the period.

AMA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

TX...None. OK...None.